Seventeen years for couple who ran a ‘county line’ drug operation

Officers saw £3,500 of illegal drugs thrown from a window during search warrant

A couple who ran a ‘county lines’ drugs operation from south London into Surrey have been jailed for a total of seventeen years.

Tyrone Jones, from Peckford Place in Brixton, and his partner Patricia Slater, from Major Close, by Loughborough Junction, were both found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at Inner London Crown Court on July 6.

Tyrone Jones

Patricia Slater

Ian Mulgrew

Sandra McGowan

Sisco Lukuna

Last Thursday, July 26, they were both jailed, with Jones served a twelve year sentence and Slater given five years.

Three other people – two men and a woman – were also sentenced after pleading guilty on May 21 to two counts to supply Class A drugs.

Sisco Lukuna, aged 22, from North Circular Road in NW10, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Ian Mulgrew, aged 39, from Radstock Way in Merstham, was sentenced to twenty months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and Sandra MvGowan, aged 38, also from Radstock Way in Merstham, was sentenced to sixteen months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Police say officers from the Trident and Area Crime Command held a search warrant at Slater’s address in Major Close.

As officers entered, Jones was seen to throw drugs worth £3,500 from the window.

The arrests came after a four-month sting which established Jones as ‘the main organiser’, with Slater said to be assisting him, who then recruited runners to push their drugs in Surrey.

Detective Constable Dave Huzzey who led the investigation said: “This is an extremely good result that has seen a drug dealer receive a substantial custodial sentence for his role in running a ‘county lines’ drug dealing operation.

“Jones’ accomplice, Patricia Slater, also received a substantial sentence for her involvement.

“I hope this result sends a strong message out to criminals who continue to deal drugs that they will feel the full force of the law through tough sentencing from the courts.”

The news comes as independent charity Crimestoppers launched a new campaign to raise awareness of ‘county lines’ drug gangs.

The term is used to refer to gangs and organised criminal networks which export illegal drugs into suburban, rural and coastal areas.

The gangs often exploit children and vulnerable adults, using them as drugs mules to move substances and money.

According to Crimestoppers, many county lines gangs force their runners to carry out criminal activities by threats, grooming and extortion, describing them as ‘modern day slaves’.

Crimstoppers says it is working closely with the Home Office, which is raising awareness among transport, private security and accommodation sector staff to help them spot people at risk of being exploited, and is calling on the public to report any concerns they have about young children who may be exploited.

What to look out for:

A child or young person (sometimes as young as 12) in a shopping centre or high street, or on public transport during school hours or unusual hours (e.g. early in the morning, late at night.

A child or young person who seems unfamiliar with the local area

A child or young person being approached or intimidated by a controlling peer or group

A child or vulnerable person who is deliberately avoiding authority figures such as police officers or security guards

More people calling at a local address than normal, sometimes at unsociable hours

Suspicious vehicles or people at an address

A neighbour who has not been seen for a while

If you see something that doesn’t feel right, or looks suspicious, you can report your concerns anonymously to Crimestoppers.

You can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or send an untraceable online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.